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How to look after your Yoga mat

People who get a lot of use out of their Yoga mats might be wondering how best to look after it, given that with a little maintenance they can last for years.

According to Charlotte Watts, a nutritional therapist, Yoga teacher and co-author of The De-Stress Diet, cheaper mats can be "annoyingly slippery" so it is worth investing in quality Yoga mats that offer the best grip. A little wear and tear may actually help the mat stay in place better.

"Yoga mats create grip and are often known as 'sticky mats'. Unlike smooth pilates mats they are designed to help us stay in one place, important for postural integrity, for instance good grip with the hands to press back and support the spine in down-face dog," she explained.

To stop yourself from slipping and ruining your pose, Ms Watts recommends washing your hands with soap before laying out your mat, as this will dry out your palms and get rid of any hand-cream residue.

"Some Yoga practitioners even use chalk to reduce friction. You can wear in a mat and clean it regularly by putting it in a washing machine, but remember it can take a very long time to dry. This is most important if you practice a more dynamic form of Yoga where you might sweat," the expert added.

If you are buying Yoga equipment in order to take part in classes, you might also be interested in other aspects of healthy living, such as eating a good diet to boost your immune system in the winter.

Registered nutritionist Dr Carina Norris pointed out that many individuals believe they can eat salty and sugary food in excess because they cannot feel the immediate impact of a poor diet.

"You actually have to make a bit of an effort to seek out healthy options. We have to make it easier for people to eat healthily, rather than just eating the default of what is all around us which often isn't that healthy," she argued.

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